312 THE OCEAN, 



From this Table, compared with the last, we learn that the ocean 

 contains most salt between south latitude 10 and 0; the saline 

 contents amounting to rather more thaw 1.24th. The quantity of 

 salt between north latitude 18 and 34 is rather less than 1-24th : 

 at the equator it is nearly l-25th. The proportion of salt is least 

 of all in north latitude 5?, where it amounts to little more than 

 l-27tb. 



From the experiments of Wilcke, we learn that the Baltic con- 

 tains much less salt than the ocean ; that the proportion of its salt 

 is increased by a west wind, and still more by a north west wind. 

 The specific gravity of the Baltic water, ascertained by this philo- 

 sopher under these different circumstances, and reduced by Mr. 

 Kir wan to the temperature of 6'2 a is exhibited in the following 

 Table : 



Specific Gravity. 



1-G030 Wind at E. 



1.0067 Ditto at W. 



1-01 18 Storm at VV. 



l'OOt)8 Wind at N.W. 



From this Table it appears that the proportion of salt in the 

 Baltic, when an east wind prevails, is only l10th ; and that this 

 proportion is doubled by a westerly storm : a proof not only that 

 the saltness of the Baltic is derived from" the neighbouring ocean, 

 but that storms have a much greater effect upon the waters of the 

 ocean than has been supposed *. The Euxine and Caspian Seas, if 

 ue believe Tournefort, are less salt thau the ocean f ; but it is 

 probable that the Mediterranean is at least as salt as the Atlantic. 



We have already observed, that the water of the Dead Sea differs 

 exceedingly from sea-water, and have given the result of an analysis 

 in proof of such observation. This water is in truth rather to be 

 regarded as of the nature of a mineral water, and we have described 

 it accordingly. 



From the whole now offered it does not appear that the saline 

 ontents of the ocean differ very essentially in different parts of it, 

 though the lakes and inland seas may evince some degree of dis 

 parity. 



* Kirwan'^ Gtoligical Essays, p, 356. 

 t Tournefort's Voyagts, ii, 41Q 



